Killing Floor 3, developed by Tripwire Interactive, is set to launch after eight years since Killing Floor 2. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, it offers thrilling gameplay with six diverse Specialist classes and extensive customization options. Players can engage in cooperative survival matches, facing waves of Zeds with unique abilities and strategies. The game features a variety of modes and content, including three narrative acts, numerous weapons, and cross-play support, with pre-orders available starting at €39.99.
Countdown to Killing Floor 3: What to Expect
It has been a significant eight years since the launch of Killing Floor 2, but fans have been kept engaged with a host of content updates. Now, Tripwire Interactive is ready to unveil the next chapter in the franchise, as they have been diligently working on Killing Floor 3 utilizing the power of the Unreal Engine 5. With its release just around the corner, we had the opportunity to preview the game through two thrilling team matches against the relentless Zeds. Instead of diving into the storyline—where Zeds continue to plague the future—we will focus on highlighting the exciting features and gameplay experiences.
Diving into the Action: Features and Gameplay
Before embarking on our survival mission against the infected foes, we explored the bastion, the central hub of KF3 filled with features. Here, players can select their Specialist from six diverse classes, each equipped with unique weapons and gear. As matches progress, players can level up their Specialists by accumulating points. Classic archetypes are available, such as the soldier wielding an assault rifle, the engineer with a shotgun, the sharpshooter, and the medic, all boasting distinct ultimate abilities. The emphasis on cooperation is key, and we will delve deeper into that shortly.
The bastion also serves as the place to customize your gear and weaponry, boasting over 150 mods! Players will need to unlock these gradually by shooting at technological objects scattered across the maps. It’s not just the Zeds that are targets here. Players can strategize their missions by selecting the mode, map, and difficulty level. After choosing our character, we were ready to jump into a survival match set in Normal mode, joined by David Hensley, co-director of KF2.
Our first impression is that Killing Floor 3 is still in its developmental phase, currently in beta which may not be fully optimized for our test setup, despite its utilization of Unreal Engine 5 and the activation of DLSS. While minor slowdowns affected the experience, Tripwire Interactive is expected to enhance performance before the official launch. Nonetheless, we had a blast taking down waves of Zeds!
Indeed, in Normal mode, Killing Floor 3 presents an exhilarating first-person shooter experience, packed with just the right amount of blood and explosions. The gameplay, although slightly paced, excels in its violent thrills; the shooting mechanics are satisfying, and it’s a joy to accumulate kills amid relentless enemy waves. The game introduces the Massive Evisceration and Trauma (M.E.A.T.) system, which leaves blood trails on the map, helping players track their movements throughout the match. This ultra-gory approach may not be realistic, but the Normal mode ensures a fun and casual experience, perfect for familiarizing oneself with the Specialists, their arsenal, and the various maps.
Transitioning to Hard mode, the game shifts gears, and the cooperative aspect truly shines. The objective in this mode is to endure multiple waves of Zeds until the final wave releases a formidable boss. Success in Hard mode requires excellent DPS, a reliable medic, and impeccable skill usage. Fortunately, the variety of Specialists and their abilities are impressive, allowing players to ignite enemies, deploy automated turrets, set traps, use zip lines to escape, or take refuge under healing domes. If a teammate falls, they can be revived, but if they perish, survival becomes a solo endeavor until the end of the wave. Between waves, players can resupply at terminals, which cost money earned during the match, and can also upgrade equipment or purchase weapons from different Specialists. This means that the combinations of Specialists, weapons, and tools are extensive, greatly enhancing replayability, which is a core element of KF3. Additionally, gameplay modifiers can introduce new rules to keep the experience fresh!
Upon launch, Killing Floor 3 will feature a wealth of content, including three narrative acts, seven survival maps, three difficulty settings, six Specialists, 36 weapons, 14 enemy classes, and three bosses. Plus, Tripwire Interactive has already committed to providing free updates post-launch. With the right optimizations in place, the game’s longevity could be limitless. And yes, cross-play will be available across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms.
Excited to jump in? You can pre-order Killing Floor 3 starting at €39.99 on Amazon and Fnac.